Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old Grand Canyon river-rafting guide, has become the first US woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, completing the 2,400-mile (3,900km) journey in a record time of under 44 days. She hopes her achievement inspires other women to take risks and push their limits.
Record-Breaking Journey
Pfendler launched from Monterey, California, on 21 May and arrived in Honolulu on the night of 3 July aboard her 21-foot rowboat, Lily. According to the Ocean Rowing Society International and Guinness World Records, her time of just under 44 days is faster than the previous female record of 86 days and the male record of 52 days.
"It was very surreal," Pfendler told ABC's Good Morning America. "It was hard to soak in that I had actually made it."
Challenges at Sea
During the voyage, Pfendler faced blistered hands, difficulty sleeping, stiff winds, and unfavorable currents. She documented her journey on social media, sharing how she cooked, protected her skin, cleaned clothes, and made fresh water. At one point, a US Coast Guard crew sang "happy birthday" to her via radio.
Inspiration for Others
Pfendler, a professional raft guide since age 18, has led Grand Canyon trips for eight years. She said she didn't expect to arrive early but gained speed from a strong current near Honolulu. "I was definitely scared at points," she said, "but then you put that against the flat days where you get to soak in how immense the open ocean is."
